THE family of missing man Heath Nield, whose body is thought to have been discovered on moorland, have spoken of their grief.

The 31-year-old joiner who lived with his mother in Bacup, was last seen alive on July 11.

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The family, dad Peter, brother Jon and mum Christine Mitton during the appeal

Although no formal identification has taken place, police suspect a body, which was discovered after a dog walker found a human leg in Whitworth, is that of Mr Nield.

His mum, Christine Mitton, said the family always hoped he would come home.

Ms Mitton, of Rochdale Road, said: “We’re all a bit numb. We didn’t expect it to come to this. We were hoping he would turn up.

“He was a good son and we’ll all really miss him.

“I would like to say thank you to the police. They’ve been really good to us and kept us informed of everything all the time. It can’t have been easy for them. And also thank friends, family and neighbours. My house is full of flowers from people.”

His sister, Lauren Nield, said her brother was a joker with a passion for his dogs.

She said: “He loved being with the dog and his friends and family and loved socialising.”

Mr Neild’s brother, Jon, from Helmshore, said: “I’m really going to miss my little bro’.”

The body was found on land behind Healey Conservative Club, in Market Street, at 2.45pm on Sunday. A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday.

Forensic officers, sniffer dogs and underwater search teams were seen at the scene.

Residents said police had been searching the moorland and disused quarry for a fortnight.